A potential disaster was narrowly avoided on Wednesday as the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded to a dangerous accident involving a diesel-laden tanker along the Ilorin–Jebba expressway.
According to reports, the incident occurred near the Shao community junction where a diesel tanker, carrying 45,000 litres of diesel, collided head-on with a stationary articulated truck parked by the roadside. The tanker, with registration number T-16758LA, suffered serious mechanical damage due to the impact—specifically to its compressed air tank and brake lines—causing a complete brake failure.
The chaos was worsened by ongoing road construction on the opposite lane, which forced all vehicles to use a single route. The situation left little room for maneuvering, especially with the presence of the parked truck blocking part of the road.
Spokesperson of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, explained that their officers moved quickly to avert a fire outbreak by thoroughly wetting the scene and the tanker itself.
In a show of synergy, personnel from the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Kwara State Traffic Management Authority (KWATMA) joined forces to secure the area and manage traffic.
The diesel was safely siphoned into an empty tanker (registration number AAA-527YA), while security operatives maintained order throughout the delicate operation.
The director of the Kwara State Fire Service praised all supporting agencies for their cooperation, which he said allowed his team to carry out their duties without hindrance.
Their joint effort not only prevented an environmental catastrophe but also saved countless lives and properties from potential harm.
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